Somatically Based Psychotherapy (Natural Processing) is an integrated approach, using concepts from a variety of approaches, including elements of EMDR and Somatic Experiencing. It works with the felt response patterns that are engrained in our autonomic nervous system. The process is guided by your own physical experience and body based sensations, not by a theory or fixed protocol.
Talk therapy cannot really access and change our body-based, automated responses. We have automatic reactions to challenging or trauma related situations that cannot be regulated through thinking and ‘self-control’. Natural Processing allows us to access and become aware of these response patterns, and subsequently helps our nervous system to self-regulate back towards naturally integrated, reality based, well regulated and adaptive ways of responding.
Natural Processing incorporates aspects of many major orientations: psychodynamic, developmental, trauma-based and somatic approaches. Polyvagal Theory, developed by Stephen Porges lends the theoretical foundation for this kind of work.
Although Natural Processing may produce results more rapidly than other forms of therapy, speed is not the issue and it is important to remember that every client has different needs. The goal is to increase the clients ability to undo stress-related automatic nervous system reactions and to reset the autonomous nervous system. The process needs to be paced so that the internal resources of the client are not being overwhelmed.
Clients may experience the work as intense. However, the results are highly rewarding and make the effort worthwhile. Clients report lasting and satisfying changes from this kind of work.
The Ace Score Calculator can give you a sense of where you fall in regards to childhood trauma. Information about what your score means can be found here.